Phnom penh: Approximately 500,000 displaced persons have reintegrated into their communities as of this morning, according to a news release issued by the Ministry of Interior. The ministry added that an additional 5,820 displaced persons returned to their homes today.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, 144,326 displaced persons remain temporarily displaced and are expected to gradually return to their respective communities. This excludes those residing in 14 areas unlawfully controlled by Thai forces following the ceasefire effective since December 27, 2025. The affected areas span several provinces, including Prey Chan and Chouk Chey villages and Boeung Trakuon in Banteay Meanchey province, among others.
To address these issues and facilitate full reintegration, the State Secretariat of Border Affairs (SSBA) has been proactive in seeking a special meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Boundary Commission (JBC). However, Thai authorities have requested delays, citing the need to appoint a new JBC composition after their upcoming general election in February.
While awaiting the JBC meeting, Cambodia has urged the resumption of joint technical fieldwork as agreed upon in the October 2025 Special JBC Meeting in Chanthaburi province. A diplomatic note from January 13, 2026, called on Thailand to dispatch Joint Survey Teams (JSTs) to resume joint surveys and temporary marker placements along specified boundary segments between January 19 and 23, 2026.
The SSBA noted that work on these segments was halted in December 2025 due to acts compromising Cambodia's sovereignty. Cambodia has also requested JSTs between January 26 and 30, 2026, to replace 15 boundary pillars at pre-agreed locations, adhering to original specifications.
The Secretariat urged the public to trust in the Royal Government of Cambodia and its JBC, emphasizing their commitment to professionalism, responsibility, and safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity.